The state , the total area of which is 268, 8 thousand sq. km, is located in the south-western part of the Pacific Ocean, at the distance of 1930 km to the east of Australia. The country is located on two large islands – North Island (115 thousand sq. km) and South Island(151 thousand sq. km), which are separated by the Cook Strait.

POPULATION 3 993, 8 THOUSAND PEOPLE the Maori, the aborigines of New Zealand (9 %) Europeans, most of whom are descendants of people who came from Great Britain (88%) inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean islands (3%) It consists of

National symbols The National flag of New Zealand was adopted on March 24, 1902. The dark blue background of the flag is associated with blue color of the sky and the sea. Four five-pointed stars of constellation of the Southern cross symbolize the geographical position of the country. The flag of Great Britain in the top left corner of a panel speaks about historical heritage. The coat-of-arms was adopted in 1956. It represents a board which is held by a white woman with the flag of New Zealand on the one side and by a Maori soldier on the other side. Over the board one can see the Edward’s Crown. Under the board there are two fern branches. The coat-of-arms is associated with unity of all cultures and people living in the country.

National symbols The Kiwi Bird is a symbol of New Zealand. It doesn’t fly but walks. The height of a bird is 20 -55 cm, the length is 50 -80 cm. The Silver Fern Tree is a conventional symbol of New Zealand. It grows as a weed practically in all regions of New Zealand.

The Languages The Language of Maori The English languag e The New Zealand sign language

The Capital of New Zealand Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. The city can boast the second largest population number in the country. It is the largest capital among the countries of Oceania and the most southern capital in the world. The city of Wellington is called in honor of Arthur Wellesley, the 1 st Duke Wellington, an outstanding British commander. He was among the winners of the Waterloo Battle. Being the prime minister of Great Britain he supported the ideas of colonizing New Zealand.

The biggest cities Auckland is the largest city of New Zealand. The territory occupied by Big Oakland is the biggest urbanized area of New Zealand. Christchurch is the city on South Island. Another name for the city is Te Fenua O Te Potiki-Tautai, however the reduced name of Otautai is much more widespread in the language of Maori. Dunedin is the second-largest city on South Island in New Zealand. From the historical and cultural point of view, Dunedin is considered to be one of four basic centers of the country.

The customs To greet a person the Maori people rub their noses with him. By the smell they can differ the members of their tribe from strangers.

The most famous musicians The Split Enz is a New Zealand pop group. It was formed in 1972 in Oakland. Crowded House is an Australian rock group , which was started in Melbourne, and headed by the New Zealand musician Neil Fynn.

The well-kn ow n w riter s Barbara Anderson born in 1926 is a New Zealand writer who gained the international popularity in spite of the fact that she began her literary career when she was over sixty. Katherine Mansfield is a New Zealand English writer. She is the best-known writer of New Zealand.